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University of Kentucky Student Arrested in Infant’s Death

Police presence at a residential area in Lexington after an incident involving a student.

Lexington, Kentucky, September 23, 2025

News Summary

Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old University of Kentucky student, was arrested on charges related to the death of her infant. The infant was found in a trash bag at her home, raising serious community concerns. Snelling faces multiple charges including abuse of a corpse and concealing the birth of an infant. She has been released on a $100,000 bond and is currently under house arrest. A court appearance is scheduled in the coming weeks as the investigation continues.

Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old student at the University of Kentucky, was arrested on August 31 in connection with the death of her infant. Snelling, known for her involvement as a member of the Kentucky STUNT team, now faces several serious charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

Law enforcement responded to a report regarding an unresponsive infant at a residence in the 400 block of Park Avenue in Lexington around 10:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the infant wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag located in a closet. Unfortunately, the infant was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death, but initial autopsy results were inconclusive.

During questioning, Snelling admitted to the police that she gave birth to the infant and attempted to hide evidence of the birth. While the University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling has been a committed member of the STUNT team for the past three seasons, they stated that further inquiries regarding the case should be directed to law enforcement. Following her arrest, Snelling was released from jail on a $100,000 bond and is currently under house arrest at her parent’s home in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.

A court appearance for Snelling is scheduled for September 26. Authorities have indicated that an investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Lexington Police or submit tips through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers. Although a request for details regarding the report of the dead infant has not been disclosed, the case has raised significant community concern, prompting calls for prayers for Snelling and her family.

Background Context

The Kentucky STUNT team is a competitive cheerleading program at the University of Kentucky, where Snelling has actively participated as a senior student. This case has attracted local media attention and raised questions about mental health, support systems, and the challenges faced by young individuals in distressing situations.

Community Response

In the wake of this tragic incident, community members have expressed their sympathy and concern, highlighting the need for awareness and support for both Snelling and her family during this difficult time.

Contact Information

For more information about the ongoing investigation or to provide tips, residents can reach out to the Lexington Police or use the Bluegrass Crime Stoppers service.

FAQ Section

What charges does Laken Snelling face?

Laken Snelling faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

Where was the infant found?

The infant was located wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag in a closet at a residence in the 400 block of Park Avenue in Lexington, KY.

What is the current status of Laken Snelling?

Snelling was released from jail on a $100,000 bond and is currently under house arrest at her parent’s home in Jefferson City, Tennessee.

When is Laken Snelling’s next court appearance?

Her court appearance is scheduled for September 26.

What has the University of Kentucky said about this situation?

The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling had been a member of the STUNT team for the past three seasons and stated that further inquiries should be directed to the police.

What should people do if they have more information?

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Lexington Police or submit tips through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.

Key Features Overview

Feature Detail
Arrest Date August 31
Location of Incident 400 block of Park Avenue, Lexington, KY
Charges Against Snelling Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant
Bond Amount $100,000
Next Court Appearance September 26
Status Under house arrest at parent’s home

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Infant Discovered in Lexington Home Sparks Investigation
Arrest of Former Cheerleader After Newborn Found Dead
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Charged in Infant’s Death
University of Kentucky Breaks Enrollment Record
Former Cheerleader Arrested in Newborn’s Death Case
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested in Infant’s Death
Controversial Editorial on Political Discourse Sparks Outrage
Pedestrian Accident Claims Life of 49-Year-Old in Lexington
New Kroger Store Opening in Fayette County, Kentucky
Charges Filed in Infant Death Case in Lexington

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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